Inherited 82 C30 454 Project

[DuallyC30]

Here is my introduction thread so you guys can see what's going on :)

What's up guys, I figured I would join up here to see what's going on in the Chevy truck world. I recently inherited my dads old 1982 C30 454 Extended Cab, Camper Special It has been sitting for about five years now. My dad took this truck off the road because the brakes went out and he no longer really needed it to haul around stuff. So now I am reviving it to it's full glory once again! The previous and first owner towed around race cars with it, so it must be a little depressed to go from that lifestyle to sitting around for years. haha

I went to start it up last week and it fired right up with starting fluid! Then the five year old gas flowed into the carb and made the truck run like crap. So I siphoned the old gas out and I am in the process of a carb rebuild. I am kinda a newbie at trucks, but I am sure you guys will help me out!

So here is my plan for this beast! I dunno if I can post pics right now with my low post count but soon I will. The brakes gave out on this truck and it hasn't ran for 5 years. So the short term plan of attack right now is get the engine running smoothly and make sure the truck can stop under it's own stopping power. Right now I am waiting for a new float, the secondary float was broken, and float needle was clogged up and jammed open. That would explain the gassy smell when it did sorta run, I knew that smell wasn't me! :p So after that the truck needs some body work done, the floorboards have holes on either side that you can literally fall through if you miss-step. That's the plan for now, I am sure a "Mod bug" will take over me and this restoration will take a turn towards the expensive balls to the wall build. For now though I am trying to get the thing on the road, pics to come soon!

[DuallyC30]

Here are some pics for ya guys :D
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0027-1.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0026-1.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0025-1.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0028-1.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0029-1.jpg

These are from a little while ago, I will get some updated pics soon

[Blue 04 Z71]

Looks good! Is that an old yamaha warrior frame in the bed??

[DuallyC30]

Looks good! Is that an old yamaha warrior frame in the bed??

Close! That's a yamaha blaster frame, I was cutting it up to fit a CR250 engine in there but got sidetracked by the truck. All that metal is gone to the scrapyard though. The bed is all nice and clean :)

[LeoP]

looks like you've got your hands full, cleaning the fuel system and changing the fluids is a good place to start. Checking the brake system for leaks should be next.. Good luck with your project. :thumbup:

[DuallyC30]

I found the brake leak a few minutes ago! It was a section of like steel tubing that I guess were for the brakes, it got flattened somehow and started leaking. It's passenger side right under the second row of seats because of the extended cab. I can't get the nuts off the connectors to remove it though, they are really rusted in there!

Anyways here are some more pics, I do love pics :cool:

New parts run! Air filter, oil filter, oil drain screw.
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0022.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0023.jpg
Here is a fun one, he rigged up a fuel filter outside the carb, then used this copper tubing to route it to the carb. I am replacing it with steel because the copper twisted a little bit.
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0024.jpg

I pulled this sucker out from the frame under the passenger side. It almost fell off because it was so rusted. It says it's suppposed to be used for marine purposes and it's an 8psi pump. The previous owner had an external gas tank in the bed of the truck so I thought it pumped gas out. Weird place for it though, he used to pull huge trailers too so I don't know if that would be a part of that.
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0025.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0026.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0027.jpg

Some rust and holes in the floorboards that I have to fix eventually
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0028.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0029.jpg

I love a clean bed!
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0030.jpg

Fresh rebuild carb minus the broken secondary float. That plus the sticky needle is probably why that was flooding :rolleyes:
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0031.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0034.jpg

[DuallyC30]

Alrighty I got a little update for you guys. I got the carb all situated with a new float and a full rebuild kit. Still wouldn't start though, it kinda started and ran for a few seconds on starting fluid but never really catching and running. I checked spark and it was intermittent and weak. I tested it without the plug in the wire and it sparked every time, just really weak. So I had Advance Auto check my Ignition Control Module, it passed. I ordered a new Condenser just for good measure because it looked old. I checked the Cap and Rotor and they both look good and new. So I ordered a new coil hoping that will solve my problems! Does that sound like the problem?

[Chriscon7]

Sounds like you're off to a good start! I want a project just like this, you're gonna have a nice little (big) ride when you get er all buttoned up! Keep the posts/updates and photos coming

[speedjunkie]

Love those trucks. just getting on the road or major plans for it?

[DuallyC30]

Love those trucks. just getting on the road or major plans for it?

Me too, I love the older style trucks! The plan for right now is just getting it on the road, after that I plan on going balls out and doing as much stuff to it as I can afford. I am thinking major body work, lift kit, HID headlights, sound system, drop the engine to beef up the bottom end and add a turbo charger. Just for a few examples


Sounds like you're off to a good start! I want a project just like this, you're gonna have a nice little (big) ride when you get er all buttoned up! Keep the posts/updates and photos coming

Thanks man! I am going to love this project! I will keep the pictures flowing

[DuallyC30]

I am getting the coil tomorrow, so I figured that I would start working on solving my rusted through floorboards problem. I found some replacement ones for pretty cheap here.

http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=7&Product_Code=0850-001-002&Category_Code=C1

That's a kit which is pretty much what I need. Then for carpeting when I am done.

http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=7&Product_Code=ACC-2711&Category_Code=FLRNG

So here is the progress I made it uncovering all the rust

http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0036.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0037.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0038.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0039.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0040.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0041.jpg
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/100_0042.jpg

The basic plan for that sub-project is to cut out all the rusted parts, trim the new floorboards, rocker panel, and so such, then weld them all into place, then for the final touch install the new carpet! Thoughts?

[speedjunkie]

Is it a 2wd? Why don't you lower it with a air suspension on 24s.
like this http://www.nfscars.net/forum/showthread.php?t=33109 in post #14

[Chriscon7]

Hows the progress on the rig coming?

[DuallyC30]

Is it a 2wd? Why don't you lower it with a air suspension on 24s.
like this http://www.nfscars.net/forum/showthread.php?t=33109 in post #14

Truth is, I love lifted trucks! I don't hate lowered trucks, they look pretty cool, but I could never own one. I want to get up off that ground!


Hows the progress on the rig coming?

Pretty good! I got the new coil in it which gave me some nice spark! I just can't get it to fire though without loads of starting fluid, it barely catches and fires with starting fluid either. Any ideas? It has not run well for quite a few years, I rebuild the carb and got the spark problem fixed. I know it can run because before I rebuilt the carb it ran, just not well.

[Chriscon7]

Hmmm..hows the rest of the fuel system? Carbs are cool but dam they can be finicky!
Im glad to hear you don't want to lower it. I don't like seeing such a awesome truck slouched over on the pavement like that. haha
Especially on a dually. Lowered trucks are cool in their own right, but not for me.

[DuallyC30]

Hmmm..hows the rest of the fuel system? Carbs are cool but dam they can be finicky!
Im glad to hear you don't want to lower it. I don't like seeing such a awesome truck slouched over on the pavement like that. haha
Especially on a dually. Lowered trucks are cool in their own right, but not for me.

The tank switch has been broken for a while now. I don't know if it's the actual switch or if it's another factor, I have to dive into that to find it. I do know that it is sucking up fuel from the drivers side though. I pumped out the old gas from there and put in about 5 gallons of new gas.

The float on the secondary fuel bowl is actually a different size from the original, it's a little bit bigger height wise. I think I have it adjusted to compensate for that though. Would that being adjusted wrong make it have trouble starting?

I hear you on that lowered idea, I still don't know if I want to adjust the height at all. Maybe if it was four wheel drive then I would be more inclined to raise it up

[northernredneck]

where in ny are you?

[DuallyC30]

where in ny are you?

I do not like giving out my whereabouts to complete strangers over the internet. Especially when you give no reason for asking, and have no affiliation to my thread. Not trying to be a jerk, just being cautious

[northernredneck]

Woah sorry didnt mean to offend. Just asking since im in western ny and there's a junk yard in my town that im almost possitive has a few trucks like yours. And mostly just curious on my third gen fbody forum there were quite a bit of people just a town or two away from me so we would help eachother out if need be

[DuallyC30]

Woah sorry didnt mean to offend. Just asking since im in western ny and there's a junk yard in my town that im almost possitive has a few trucks like yours. And mostly just curious on my third gen fbody forum there were quite a bit of people just a town or two away from me so we would help eachother out if need be

ohhh I gotcha now, sorry about that, I am just very cautious about info on the internet haha I live down south in New York, about two hours south from Albany. You have a truck like mine?

[DuallyC30]

I found the solution to another spark problem! I was missing the coil secondary ground strap. Somehow that must have gotten lost in the installation procedure. So I have a new one coming in and I will see if the old coil still works. I was getting spark, but only from the tip of the plug to ground, it wasn't inside the tip between the tip and plug. It doesn't make a lot of sense but apparently that would happen without the secondary ground. So hopefully THAT will fix my problem and I can start her up tomorrow! Video's of it running to come hopefully!

[northernredneck]

ohi do not currently had to sell my gas guzzlers for school. and driving a teal cavalier blah. but buying a cheap obs 1500 eclb 350 tomorrow

[DuallyC30]

ohi do not currently had to sell my gas guzzlers for school. and driving a teal cavalier blah. but buying a cheap obs 1500 eclb 350 tomorrow

ahhh gotcha

Well the ground didn't help the spark problem! Still troubleshooting. I made a thread about it so please help me out!

[DuallyC30]

Still cannot figure out the spark problem guys! New condenser, coil, and ground. Looks like I will just replace the cap and rotor along with new wires just to eliminate all the possible problems. After that, I will have to call in backup. Backup will be one of my dads old mechanic friends, I need to get this engine running!

[BAD '90]

Looks like a fun project!

[DuallyC30]

Looks like a fun project!

Thanks!

I fixed it! In all I replaced the Condenser, Distributor cap, Rotor, Coil, and ground. That really helped freshen up the spark and get it pumping nice blue spark. I started it up on starting fluid and it ran well! Now it won't pull up any gas into the carb, could just be a lot of air coming from the lines. I siphoned out all the gas and put fresh gas in so that could have messed with it.

[DuallyC30]

I filled up the carb with fuel straight from the fuel filter since the pump isn't quite up to speed yet. Here is a video of it!

It stutters and backfires as I try and rev it up more then just a constant high idle. Could that be a poorly adjusted secondary float?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ejPLU3MIHY&feature=youtu.be

[Chriscon7]

If the truck is off, and you hold the gas pedal down for a bit, will it flood the carb? Or do you still need to physically add fuel to it

[DuallyC30]

It won't flood the carb because no fuel is getting past the fuel filter. The previous owner added a nice clear fuel filter that I replaced in the fuel line. I can see some fuel spurting into it sometimes but not consistent or enough fuel. I pressure tested it just a couple minutes ago and the needle would just dump up and down, not gaining any pressure. I am going to check all my lines for leaks and cracks. Could be a bad fuel pump?

[Chriscon7]

It won't flood the carb because no fuel is getting past the fuel filter. The previous owner added a nice clear fuel filter that I replaced in the fuel line. I can see some fuel spurting into it sometimes but not consistent or enough fuel. I pressure tested it just a couple minutes ago and the needle would just dump up and down, not gaining any pressure. I am going to check all my lines for leaks and cracks. Could be a bad fuel pump?

is it a mechanical pump on the block? Im not sure how to test those but i think they can be had for relatively low cost,,,maybe

[DuallyC30]

is it a mechanical pump on the block? Im not sure how to test those but i think they can be had for relatively low cost,,,maybe

you got it, mechanical pump that is run by the motor, I just found that out and that's a pretty cool design! I took off the inlet ummmm ports? The lines from the tank I guess, I took those off the pump, had my buddy crank the engine over while putting my fingers over them. Very tiny suction from both of them, maybe only one. The switch for the tanks is broken so I don't know where it is pulling from but without that 15-20psi suction I think it is, it's not pulling gas from anywhere. It barely has 1psi. It's about $20 for a new pump, so new pump it is!

[Chriscon7]

Yeah that seems like the best route to take! install that new pump and go from there. hopefully that will send some fuel up to the carb!
Is the tank switch something you need to replace right away, or does it just make it so you cant switch to the other tank? In other words, does the switch have anything to do with fuel delivery, or is it just stuck on one of the tanks?

haha sorry for the confusing questions

[DuallyC30]

Yeah that seems like the best route to take! install that new pump and go from there. hopefully that will send some fuel up to the carb!
Is the tank switch something you need to replace right away, or does it just make it so you cant switch to the other tank? In other words, does the switch have anything to do with fuel delivery, or is it just stuck on one of the tanks?

haha sorry for the confusing questions

Yea I hope so! I want to run the engine for a while to get all the cobwebs out so to speak.

I understand what your saying, it's just stuck on one side, I think it's the drivers side. It's been like that for a long time, while it was still on the road my dad just didn't want to take the effort to fix it. So it will pull from the drivers tank, just not the passenger side tank. I want to track that problem down eventually

[speedjunkie]

Nice progress. Know what you meen about being lifted.

[DuallyC30]

YEA BUDDY!!!!! She runs perfectly! Except for a slight problem with it being to rich, I have no idea what to do with that though. As promised, here is a video!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2JcsNo_Ftc&feature=youtu.be

[DuallyC30]

Aright! Update time! I have been working on the body now, gotta make sure it doesn't fall apart on me
The seats and drivers side door removed
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0033.jpg
Back seat. It's a little dirty but no rips or tears!
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0034.jpg
New drivers side floor pan and rocker panel to be cut and welded in
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0035.jpg
Front seat, it has a couple little tears at the bottom left of the screen.
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0036.jpg
Me thinks this drivers side door needs to be replaced eventually
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0037.jpg
POR-15 painted onto the frame/wheels/driveshaft/axle. Looking sexier by the day!
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0038.jpg
Notice those two red things? yeaaaaaaa
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0039.jpg
Thrush glasspacks! Pretty much pipe, with a tiny bit of packing in it to tone the sound, not much muffling going on here! Just pure 454 sound
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0040.jpg
Seats removed, working on removing seat belts to get all the carpet up
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0041.jpg
Carpet still coming up piece by piece
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0042.jpg

[DuallyC30]

almostttttt
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0043.jpg
Alright! Carpet is up! Now just removing the nasty sound dampening mats
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0045.jpg
Carpet is gone! Time to inspect the rust damage
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0046.jpg
Yep, only little pieces of carpet stuck ti the floor
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0047.jpg
Transmission hump. Noticed the blocked off manual shifter? :(
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0048.jpg
Transmission!
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0049.jpg

[DuallyC30]

Kinda scary knowing this is right by where you sit.....
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0050.jpg
Holy rust problem
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0051.jpg
ehhhhhh a little paint will fix that right up :p
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0052.jpg
yea that might take some work!
http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac27/x28paintball/82%20C30%20454%20Project/IMG_0053.jpg

[survivorcamaro]

Wow. Looks ike you got some fun times ahead with that floor. I remember replacing the entire floor pan on my camaro. That was no walk in the park (not a lot of room to move around inside), but it looks like you've got enough room to work lol. Looking for to more updates!

[DuallyC30]

Wow. Looks ike you got some fun times ahead with that floor. I remember replacing the entire floor pan on my camaro. That was no walk in the park (not a lot of room to move around inside), but it looks like you've got enough room to work lol. Looking for to more updates!

Thanks man! Yea I was crawling around in that truck all day haha. Plenty of room to work! Gotta love that extended cab!

[chevychris]

holy smokes!!

i think the carpet was the only thing holding your cab together!!

i'm looking forward to watching this project!

[mikeyb89]

This will be a interesting build to follow. Sub'd!! Cant wait to see all the cancer removed!

[LeoP]

running rich is still probably the carb, I send mine to www.customrebuiltcarbs.com Phil is the owner and does the carbs himself, click on the link and give him a call. Good luck, you've got a lot of work to do.

[98BlackSierra]

Damn!!! I can't get over the amount of rust under the carpet up front. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress on this though. It will be awesome when its finished!!

[Chriscon7]

Keep motivated and you'll get er done! Got alot of work to though